Am I "Healthy" after Cancer? 癌治療後の私は「健康」なの？
I had to think twice before I answered, "I am healthy today," 3 years after my breast cancer diagnosis. Have you thought about what it means to be "being healthy?" New definition is needed, let's think about that. 日本語は英語の後にあるよ
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Reconstruction in Progress 乳房再建途中経過
It was exactly a month after my reconstruction surgery that I had an appointment at the reconstruction surgeon's office. I don't have any more arm movements restrictions after a month of not be able to lift them no higher than my shoulders. I am set free!
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20 Days after Reconstruction Surgery 乳房再建手術後20日
I could not handle well of seeing the scar sites on my breasts last night. I was almost fainting and called my husband to take me to bed. -nothing happened to the surgery sites, it was all psychological, just wanted to let you know in advance.- The picture is from our window about a week ago. I did not modify the color, it was a beautiful sunset.
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Day6: After 5th Chemo
I had a lot of rest and it was a slow day today. My friend took my son out for a sleepover since last night and they had fun days until today. My son came back with full of stories to share and that made me so happy.
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Day5: After my 5th chemo
People who takes care of me very closely tells me that I am doing better for this cycle. I look better, talk clearer, eat better and am out of bed for longer hours than my previous cycles. That is right. But I still feel nauseous and sick that I really wish there were a day that I would feel great. I'd love to have a break, only a day would do me great.
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Day1-4: After my 5th chemo
Just for a record: Day 1 to 4 after 5th chemo.
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Heal in Sneakers
It was my last day of summer 2014 with my son. Technically, for my…
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My Treatment Timeline
I wanted to share my treatment time line for a reference. (Please read "important" at the bottom, if you are diagnosed breast cancer.) As many of breast cancer cases, I did not feel a pain or sick at all. I felt perfectly healthy, in fact, I thought I was one of the most healthiest, or the most health conscious person around me. One major different thing about the cancer from other illness is that removing cancer with surgery is only the very first step (note: some cancer requires chemotherapy before surgery). Many other treatments to follow in breast cancer. When I found about about the length of the treatment I had to have, I was daunted to face that fact. Previously, I never had surgery, I did not take any medications regularly, and I even did not take any vitamins because I self-studied nutrition and my meals provided me balanced vitamins and minerals. Day 11: Almost normal. I took a long nap in the afternoon. I also did another bike ride! [physically] I can feel a mild body ache from yesterday's exercise. I need some exercise. Mild nausea, but I did not take medication. I wake up feeling normal, but gradually my nausea reminds me that I am under chemotherapy treatment, (this is an improvement.) I had head ache and took Advil. My pimples are healing. I don't digest food well, food comes out from me recognizable (I tried not to be very descriptive). [emotionally] Very steady. I can predict the next cycles. Not knowing what will happen to me was a big fear. Next cycle, I might be a little better to handle the cycle emotionally.
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Day 10: Feel almost normal
Day 10 after my chemotherapy. I feel almost back to normal today. Yes, I still have mild nausea, but not that noticeable. In fact, I thought I needed to start some exercises. My husband is a dedicated runner, but I was not sure if running was my best exercise today. I asked him to tune up my bicycle. Bending over to reach ground makes me nauseated, I could not do it myself. I went for a bike riding while he goes out for running. I had to stop occasionally when I felt nauseous, but otherwise, I felt good about getting some exercise done. We were out for over 1 hour. My appetite came back as well as my taste buds. I quickly started putting some weight now. Wow, now it is the time to focus on what I eat, finally. I don't get hungry today, I believe because I eat small amount more frequently. I felt lack of vegetables in my diet for the last 10 days, I craved for vegetables. My friend brought me my favorite carrot dressing with ginger and honey. I am set for vegetables! When I was on a bike, we passed by a store that sells felafels. I started to explain how to make felafels to my husband as I was riding the bike. I was excited to find out that "I am thinking about food!" I greeted myself "Welcome back, Yoko!" [physically]: Almost back to normal (Oh, thank you!). I felt some nausea from time to time. When I am destructed, I forget about it. A pimple popped out, but nothing noticeable happened for now. I was afraid that being lower white blood counts could cause some situation, not today. I don't notice sore mouth today. [emotionally]: As I felt normal and did some exercise, I felt great and thankful.
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Day 5: I feel a little better than yesterday
Day 5: I wake up feeling a little better than yesterday. I got up to do necessary chores, including eating. Sadly, no appetite makes eating as a daily chore for now. For a record, I lost about 4.5lb (2kg) since before the chemotherapy in a week. A day after my chemotherapy, I was 8lb (4kg) heavier than today. I don't understand why. Possibly, all the liquid that I took and they injected me weighted plus 4.5lb. Over the course of chemotherapy, patients seem to put more weight on average. I am guessing my appetite will come back before the next cycle (in about 2 weeks). Let's see. I focus on eating mainly more lean protein, vegetables and fruits, and try not to skip Vitamin D & Calcium liquid supplement. My husband took me out for a short walk. Thank you for asking me! As we got ready to leave home, it started to rain some. Great... But that did not stop us from walking. That was a nice walk and refreshing, and it was really short. But it caused some mild nausea afterwards. I took Metoclopramide, anti-nausea, medicine, rested in a couch and it went away. No make-up, my hair is not really set... Oh well, at least I brushed my teeth. I am afraid of saying it out loud, as a fashion fun, but that was not important today! I noticed I started to get pimples around my nose and mouth. I may have skipped some face wash in some mornings. I know I did it before going to bed. I will see how it goes. [phsically] Less fatigue than in the last 3 days. Persisting lack of appetite. I have been sleeping well at night, even if I take naps during day. Gassy. So many burping, I mean so many. I took 1 anti-nausea pill.I still have spotty period, makes me concerned. [emotionally] Not bad. Things are looking slightly more optimistic today. I am concerned how I will be able to teach in 2 weeks. I will have to manage the scheduling in advance to prepare material way in advance, when I can. I just hope tomorrow will come a bit more brighter. 日本語は こちらから
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